Brake Light and Horn in Minnesota

Soldering the connections on fully insulated tab connectors be mighty difficult ;)
 
Soldering the connections on fully insulated tab connectors be mighty difficult ;)

Hehehe....yeah, I guess it could be....unless you like the smell of burning plastic! I guess I used the connectors that aren't fully insulated....soldering them is no problem. You could put heat-shrink (or electrical tape, but that's kinda' messy) over the wires before connecting them if you wanted it totally insulated. I was just checking out your videos as you have the same basic setup that I want for my bike...the Staton kit, Mitsu engine...and even the setup on your rack where you have the bag that offsets the weight bias on the rack. VERY nice job you did! How did you make that rack on the left side of the bike? You made that, correct....nothing you purchased? I was thinking of some type of saddlebag......but I like you rack! Good Job!

Warner
 
I used stock aluminum 1/8 x 3/4 in I think and some rivets to construct the rack. It took an afternoon to make but if I were to make another one it would take me a fraction of the time. The only tools I needed were Bench Vise, bench grinder, dremmel tool, drill. And I could have probably done without the dremmel tool.
All you have to do is just measure the sections and use the bench vise to hold the aluminum as you bend it into right angles. The hook on the bottom was probably the most difficult part to bend into shape but overall it wasn't too hard. I did it with only homebrew trial and error metalworking knowledge.
If you were going to do saddle bags that would be 100X easier than what I made.
 
I used stock aluminum 1/8 x 3/4 in I think and some rivets to construct the rack. It took an afternoon to make but if I were to make another one it would take me a fraction of the time. The only tools I needed were Bench Vise, bench grinder, dremmel tool, drill. And I could have probably done without the dremmel tool.
All you have to do is just measure the sections and use the bench vise to hold the aluminum as you bend it into right angles. The hook on the bottom was probably the most difficult part to bend into shape but overall it wasn't too hard. I did it with only homebrew trial and error metalworking knowledge.
If you were going to do saddle bags that would be 100X easier than what I made.

Good work on that! I guess I'll have to first get the kit installed and then see what I have to work with, huh?

Thanks again,

Warner
 
Hi all,
Has anyone attempted to register their "homemade" motorized bicycle in MN yet? Looks like it should be reg, as a moped and also requires insurance. I see where the go-peds now are considered legal in the state, but city ord may prohibit.

Let me know if anyone has any info on registering/licensing in MN

Regards,
Bob R
 
Bob,

I finished my project! I ended up registering my motorized bike ("moped" in MN) at the DMV. You have to bring pictures of the bike from all sides, and fill out a form explaining how it came into existence, since it doesn't have a receipt of sale. Costs about $20 for the plate and the tabs and the office fees.

Bring receipts from any kits and parts you've purchased also - I had to leave and come back with these. Along these lines, I also foolishly admitted that I had not yet paid sales tax on my purchase, so they tacked it on at the time of registration. If you have a nebulous Paypal receipt or something from an online motor kit purchase, just say that the tax was paid, as I'm sure they wouldn't be able to know otherwise. Or be a good citizen and fork over the extra $50 or so.

I ended up putting a standalone headlight and taillight. Also wired in a horn and a brakelight with a small 12v battery clamped to the frame. (Axman in St. Louis Park, MN right now has EXACTLY the same brake levers with internal switches as electricscooterparts.com and they're only $2 instead of $10!!!) Turn signals are not required, but I built some of those out a car hazard light "thermal flasher" from Napa (also about $2).

Finally, I tried to get insurance through Geico, but they won't insure a homemade moped. Progressive got me the required liability insurance for $6/month.

I just smile at police officers when I go by, knowing that I have all my bases covered. I'm proud of my bike and have put about 75 miles on it so far. I'll be starting a new thread soon with some pics. Happy motoring!

-hardy101
 
Great Job! Doing all the research/legwork for Reg/Ins for MN

Hi Hardy101,:D

Good news and I'm sure thx to everyone from MN trying to figure out the statutes and Insurance req's to be legal on your MB!

Which
DMV did you visit to get that done? Just wondering if outstate offices would have a clue on what to do?

So pictures and reciepts, I can handle that. So to be clear, also a headlight, mirror and horn?

It would be nice when riding to know that Mr. Deputy can pass me and not to worry about him stopping me.

With the myriad of statues that you had to look into kudos again for gettin'er done!

Regards,
Bob R/rjr003

I am building a motorized bicycle as defined under MN law (less than 50cc, <2HP, <30mph). The language of the law about lighting equipment is a little unclear to me.

I want to know if I need a working brake light or lights AT ALL if I'm driving during the day.

(Excerpt from https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/getpub.php?type=s&num=169.223)

169.223 MOTORIZED BICYCLE.
(2) a motorized bicycle equipped with a headlight and taillight meeting the requirements of
lighting for motorcycles may be operated during nighttime hours;
After June 1, 1987, a
new motorized bicycle sold or offered for sale in Minnesota must be equipped with a headlight.​

(Excerpt from: https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/rules/?id=7410.5200)
7410.5200 MOTORCYCLE AND MOTORIZED BICYCLE EQUIPMENT SAFETY STANDARDS. (Note, this is a "rule" not a statute??)
Subp. 2.
Motorized bicycle.
A.Motorized bicycles and three-wheeled motorcycles are tested on the street and must meet the equipment requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 169.223.
B.Equipment necessary for the motorized bicycle to legally operate on the street includes a headlight, taillight, brake light, horn, mirror, and muffler.

How does the day/night rule match up with "B." directly above?

I'm thankful for this great community!

Bob,

I finished my project! I ended up registering my motorized bike ("moped" in MN) at the DMV. You have to bring pictures of the bike from all sides, and fill out a form explaining how it came into existence, since it doesn't have a receipt of sale. Costs about $20 for the plate and the tabs and the office fees.

Bring receipts from any kits and parts you've purchased also - I had to leave and come back with these. Along these lines, I also foolishly admitted that I had not yet paid sales tax on my purchase, so they tacked it on at the time of registration. If you have a nebulous Paypal receipt or something from an online motor kit purchase, just say that the tax was paid, as I'm sure they wouldn't be able to know otherwise. Or be a good citizen and fork over the extra $50 or so.

I ended up putting a standalone headlight and taillight. Also wired in a horn and a brakelight with a small 12v battery clamped to the frame. (Axman in St. Louis Park, MN right now has EXACTLY the same brake levers with internal switches as electricscooterparts.com and they're only $2 instead of $10!!!) Turn signals are not required, but I built some of those out a car hazard light "thermal flasher" from Napa (also about $2).

Finally, I tried to get insurance through Geico, but they won't insure a homemade moped. Progressive got me the required liability insurance for $6/month.

I just smile at police officers when I go by, knowing that I have all my bases covered. I'm proud of my bike and have put about 75 miles on it so far. I'll be starting a new thread soon with some pics. Happy motoring!

-hardy101
 
Bob,

Yes, you'll need a headlight, brakelight, tail light, mirror and horn. I went to the DMV in Richfield, but it was a standard registration form that any local office should have. Good luck with the project!
 
Bob,

Yes, you'll need a headlight, brakelight, tail light, mirror and horn. I went to the DMV in Richfield, but it was a standard registration form that any local office should have. Good luck with the project!
Hi Hardy101,
Thanks for the clarification on the info. I went to the Elk River DMV office and got the forms to fill out, although I was somewhat concerned when the woman working there told me that I would need the bike inspected and that it must meet the federal standards??. Just wondering are you using a HT motor? I did not receive anything from the distributor with any "federal standards documentation".

Also, I don't remember you stating that you had it inspected. This was my concern, that different offices either don't know the required information to needed to register and they are making folks get inspections when they might not be needed.

How long ago was your successful registration? Just wondering if things have changed for the state requirements.

On a good note, was out in my neighborhood riding my bike, and had a Sheriff pass me without a problem, but still concerned about other deputies that might think otherwise.

Thanks,
Bob R/rjr003
 
I ran into the same problem at the Monticello DMV. They wanted a state inspection. I called for a state inspection appointment but the state inspection wanted a "Federal Safety Sticker" and a "Officer safety inspection" before they would approve anything. Too much hassle. I'm just going to make the thing look as street legal as possible (lights, horn, etc.) and hope I don't get hassled by a deputy.




Hi Hardy101,
Thanks for the clarification on the info. I went to the Elk River DMV office and got the forms to fill out, although I was somewhat concerned when the woman working there told me that I would need the bike inspected and that it must meet the federal standards??. Just wondering are you using a HT motor? I did not receive anything from the distributor with any "federal standards documentation".

Also, I don't remember you stating that you had it inspected. This was my concern, that different offices either don't know the required information to needed to register and they are making folks get inspections when they might not be needed.

How long ago was your successful registration? Just wondering if things have changed for the state requirements.

On a good note, was out in my neighborhood riding my bike, and had a Sheriff pass me without a problem, but still concerned about other deputies that might think otherwise.

Thanks,
Bob R/rjr003
 
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